The city of Birmingham's cooling station opened at 10 a.m. in Boutwell
Auditorium. The facility which is open, from 10 to 5 p.m. is intended to
allow people to stay cool and avoid outside temperatures that are
expected to reach about 98 degrees today.

Boutwell will also be open on Sunday. People are allowed to come and go
as they please, said Don Lupo, director of the Mayor's office of
Citizen's Assistance. Cold water is provided.

Also this afternoon, volunteers with Mission Birmingham will be at
Boutwell delivering ice cream to the people using the shelter. While
deliveries of food are commonplace to area needy, Lupo said the ice ream
has been a popular and rare treat. The group also arrived at the center
last week , providing a sweet escape, Lupo said.

"When they delivered the ice cream it was like the Fourth of July,
Christmas and all that rolled into one," he said. "They really
appreciated the treat. They get food, but how often do they get to enjoy
a quart of ice cream?"